Articles

April 29, 2005

Predictive Service Life Tests for Roofing Membranes

By: Cash, Carl G., Arthur Davies, David Niles, Bailey D.M., Delgado A.H., Paroli R.M.

Abstract: Twelve roofing membranes, including poly [vinyl chloride], asphalt glass-felt built-up, thermoplastic polyolefin, atactic polypropylene polymer modified asphalt, styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer modified asphalt, and ethylene-...

Services:Building Enclosure Investigation, Materials Investigation

Keywords:Asphalt, Laboratory Testing and Analysis, Research/Development, Roofing

April 29, 2005

Professor Robert H. Scanlan and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge

By: Leonard Morse-Fortier

Abstract: Among other pursuits, the late Dr. Robert H. Scanlan worked for nearly 40 years to understand the problem of bridge-deck flutter. This paper presents an overview of his work, with particular attention to the original investigative work...

Services:Structural Investigation

Markets:Bridge

Keywords:Bridge, Major Vehicular

April 29, 2005

Wall Cladding System Durability Lessons Learned from the Premature Deterioration of Wood-Framed Construction Clad with Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) in the U.S.

By: Matthew Bronski

Abstract: Despite well-intended laboratory testing of individual materials and components, unanticipated and severe durability failures of building wall systems can occur when the system design does not adequately integrate the various materials...

Services:Building Enclosure Investigation, Materials Investigation

Keywords:Cladding / Recladding, EIFS, Failure Investigation, Moisture Control, Walls, Wood Frame

February 27, 2005

Building Design after September 11

By: Donald Dusenberry

Abstract: Anyone watching the heart-wrenching collapses of the World Trade Center towers or the smoke billowing from the debris pile of the destroyed portion of the Pentagon could easily question our approach to building design. However, we...

Services:Structural Design, Structural Investigation

Keywords:Blast Analysis & Resistance, Codes & Standards

February 27, 2005

Avoiding the Perils of Paper-Faced Exterior Gypsum Sheathing

By: Eric Olson

Abstract: Buildings must be free of significant mold growth to protect the health of the occupants and the building. However, many in the design/construction industry continue to specify and use products that can deteriorate and sustain mold...

Services:Building Enclosure Design

Keywords:Building Science, Water Leakage

January 30, 2005

Green Salvage Solutions - Reusing Roofing and Structural Materials

By: Mark Webster, Matthew Bronski

This article discusses the application of life-cycle assessment to salvaged materials and reviews selected roofing and structural materials with good salvage potential. The feature also examines how the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC...

Services:Materials Rehabilitation

Keywords:Demolition, Green / Sustainable Design, LEED Projects, Material-Related

December 30, 2004

The scaled nonlinear dynamic procedure

By: Ronald Hamburger, Aschheim, Mark, Tjhin, Tjen, Comartin, Craig, Inel, Mehmet

Abstract: A preliminary version of a new seismic analysis procedure is presented. The Scaled Nonlinear Dynamic Procedure (NDP) overcomes inaccuracies associated with other methods of analysis and can readily be used in conjunction with the...

Services:Structural Design

Keywords:Codes & Standards, Nonlinear, Seismic Analyses

December 30, 2004

Facade Ordinances and Historic Structures - Theoretical and Practical Conservation Issues in Inspection and Repair

By: CeCe Louie, Kecia L. Fong

The primary concern of building facade inspection ordinances is to insure the safety of the public and surrounding property and to establish baseline cycles of inspection, maintenance and repair. While public safety is paramount, what these...

Services:Building Enclosure Rehabilitation, Structural Rehabilitation

Keywords:Codes & Standards, Facade Ordinance, Historic, Inspection, Ordinance, Preservation Technology

December 30, 2004

Condition Assessment of Utah Highway Culverts and Determination of Culvert Performance Measures

By: Jesse Beaver, McGrath, Timothy J., Leonard B.

Abstract: The Utah Department of Transportation installed and manages over 47,000 culverts but has no comprehensive, quantitative method for evaluating the performance of these culverts. UDOT initiated a study to assess culverts throughout the...

Services:Structural Investigation

Markets:Highway & Tunnel

Keywords:Concrete, Culverts and Storm Drains, Field Testing, Metal, Performance-based, Plastic/Composite

December 30, 2004